Impact of Child-Pugh class A liver cirrhosis on perioperative outcomes of patients with oesophageal cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis

OBJECTIVES Advanced-stage (Child-Pugh classes B and C) liver cirrhosis (LC) is a contraindication for oesophagectomy. However, the question as to whether Child-Pugh class A LC may have an impact on perioperative outcomes remains unanswered. This retrospective single-centre study was designed to address this issue. METHODS This was a single-centre, retrospective, propensity-matched study. The perioperative outcomes of patients with Child-Pugh class A LC were compared with those of patients without LC after propensity score matching. RESULTS Out of a cohort consisting of 811 patients, we identified 51 cases with Child-Pugh class A LC. After the application of propensity score matching, the LC and no-LC groups consisted of 50 and 100 patients, respectively. The presence of LC did not compromise the quality of surgical resection as attested to by similar lymph node yields and R0 rates. However, patients with LC patients were more prone to developing postoperative pneumonia (22% vs 9%, P = 0.027), pleural effusion (38% vs 20%, P = 0.018) and chylothorax (10% vs 1%, P = 0.016) and had longer intensive care unit stay (mean: 6.10 vs 2.58 days, P = 0.002) compared with the no-LC group. Multivariable analysis identified thoracic duct ligation [odds ratio (OR) 12.292, P = 0.042] and a higher number of dissected nodes (OR 4.375, P = 0.037) as independent risk factors for chylothorax and pleural effusion, respectively. The detrimental effect of these variables was limited to the LC group. CONCLUSIONS Oesophagectomy portends a higher morbidity in patients with Child-Pugh class A LC. A meticulous management of lymphatic ducts during mediastinal dissection may improve surgical outcomes in this high-risk group.